Gaming at ALA got the attention of the Chicago Tribune, in the form of an article that covers gaming at conference and gaming in libraries. ALA president Loriene Roy says, “Libraries are adapting to new technology. It ties in with one of our key values, which is equity of access.” ALA staff had their own gaming day back in April, and photos are posted on Flickr.
James Stubbs wrote a great article for School Library Journal on board, card and miniatures games for videogamers. If tabletop games are not familiar to you already, check out “Cardboard for the Silicon Set.”
Charlotte & Mecklenberg County Public Library is hosting a citywide Brawl tournament; their $1000 seed money three years ago lead to a 69000 grant to pay for high end gaming computers and consoles for the library system. During the program at her branch, librarian Brittani Thompson she displays game tutorial books, graphic novels and books on game design. The Charlotte Observer reports the program serves 3000 people a year.
Gaming is just part of the Orlando (FL) Public Library’s technology innovations. Every branch has a Wii and an Xbox 360, and there are 300 game titles in circulation, and the Washington-Centerville (OH) Public Library is about to start loaning videogames. “Our library strives to be on the leading edge of library service,” said library director Cindi Klinck, noting their library will be one of four in the state, and the only one in the county, to circulate videogames. Interestingly enough, the collection is being split into 2 age groups – family games for all ages, and games for ages 10 & up.
North Carolina residents are encouraged to take advantage of library services during tough economic times, services like music, movies, board games and classes.
Dante Namiba wrestles with gaming in the school library on his blog, Wrestling with Dewey.
Other Gaming News…
Halo – the Board Game! Halo is being reinvented as a strategy board game for ages 10 & up, and will be available this fall.